Chamaeleon gummifer, also known as distaff thistle, piney thistle[3] or stemless atractylis, is a thistle in the Chamaeleon genus. Formerly, it was placed in the Atractylis genus.[1] It is native to the Mediterranean basin, where it can be found in various habitats, including cultivated- or uncultivated fields and forests.[4][1] It is a perennial herb producing a stemless, pinkish flower. The plant has a history of use in folk medicine, but it is very toxic due to the presence of atractyloside and carboxyatractyloside.[5]
Two Chamaeleon gummifer plants showing inflorescence and dried-out leaves
Chamaeleon gummifer is a perennial thistle with a long rhizome extending up to 40 cm and spiky leaves emanating from its center.[6][5] A pinkish inflorescence grows in the center, seen as a capitulum consisting of many small threadlike flowers.[5] The inflorescence is surrounded by spiny bracts.[6] Unusual compared to other thistles is the fact that the inflorescence of Chamaeleon gummifer does not grow on a stem. The ripe fruit of the plant may ooze a white or yellowish gummy latex produced by the rhizome.[5]Chamaeleon gummifer flowers in late summer or early autumn.[4]
Distribution
Chamaeleon gummifer can be found along the Mediterranean basin, including Northern Africa, the Iberian Peninsula, Italy, Greece and Malta.[1][4] It grows in various habitats and on various substrates, including in cultivated- or uncultivated fields, shrublands, forests and in rocklands.[1] It is rated as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.[1]
Toxicity
The toxicity of Chamaeleon gummifer is thought to be caused by two related glycosides, atractyloside and carboxyatractyloside.[5] In Morocco, Chamaeleon gummifer is a common cause of plant poisoning, with children being especially vulnerable to severe effects.[7] Accidental ingestion of the plant can be due to confusion with the artichoke thistle, or due to use of its gummy discharge as a chewing gum.[7] Fatal cases of poisoning are not uncommon, even with treatment of symptoms.[7][8] At least 98 fatalities occurred due to Chamaeleon gummifer poisoning in Morocco between 1981 and 2004, most of whom were children under the age of 16.[9] Severe cases may be associated with liver and kidney failure.[10][8] There is currently no specific treatment to poisoning by Chamaeleon gummifer.[5]
1 2 Hamouda, C.; Hédhili, A.; Ben Salah, N.; etal. (June 2004). "A review of acute poisoning from Atractylis gummifera L". Veterinary and Human Toxicology. 46 (3): 144–146. ISSN0145-6296. PMID15171492.
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